1960-1968 Flashcards
Why did opposition increase from 1960-61?
The split of the PAC from the NAC divided resistance but helped mobilise more groups.
Pass laws triggered more protests.
Peaceful protests led to mass arrests and the kails and judicial system were overflowing.
When did the Sharpeville Massacre happen?
March 21, 1960.
When and why was a state of emergency declared?
March 30, 1960.
Due to increased protests and leadership feeling threatened.
Which legislation banned the ANC and PAC in April 1960?
The Unlawful Organisations Act.
What were some features of the state of emergency declared in 1960?
Public meetings were outlawed, the ANC and PAC were banned, and police arrested thousands of political opposition leaders without warrants under the Public Safety Act of d1953.
Why did South Africa become a republic in 1961?
Because the National Party had run advocating for South Africa becoming a republic. But dealing with domestic matters (establishing apartheid) was the priority, so it only happened in 1961. The National Party also gradually renegotiated its relationship with Britain.
When was the communist party banned in South Africa?
1950
Why were trade relations between the UK, the US and South Africa maintained even after the Ladder became a republic?
Because the National Party was anti-communist, and so were the UK and the US. Additionally, trade relations and economic gains mattered more than the civil rights violations being committed in South Africa at the time.
When did the ANC first call for economic sanctions on South Africa?
1959.
When did the UN pass a resolution to ban South African imports and exports?
1962.
When did the ANC decide to pursue armed struggle?
1961.
What is MK / Spear of the Nation?
An independent military wing led by Mandela of the ANC and Joe Slowo of the communist party. The communists made financial and weapon contributions, but MK was not formally linked to either organisation.
What is Poqo / the Azanian People’s Liberation Army?
Similar to MK but mainly among migrant workers, specifically miners. They publicised their killings and so the movement was used as an example of African savagery by politicians and media. They resorted to a guerrilla approach due to a lack of resources for a sustained armed struggle.
What was the Rivonia trial and when did it happen?
It was the trial of Mandela and the MK leaders. They were imprisoned for life. It took place in 1963-64.
Who was Oliver Tambo?
The leader of the ANC. He went into exile in 1960. He spoke before the UN and regularly met with leaders of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in London. He led efforts from exile to support the ANC and their goals in South Africa.
Who was E. S. Reddy?
An Indian-born diplomat at the UN who led the anti-apartheid efforts.
Name some examples of the sporting boycott.
South Africa was excluded from international football in 1963. They were banned from the 1970 Olympics and in 1956, the White South African Table Tennis Association was banned.
Why was the sporting boycott so significant?
It created economic losses for South Africa due to not being able to participate and compete.
It was also humiliating to be excluded from global sporting events as a nation where sport was so important.
Name some examples of the economic boycott.
1959 ‘Look at the Label’ campaign.
1980’s campaign to boycott South African textile and retail brands.
Economic sanctions.
‘Boycott Bandwagon’ of gold, tourism and coal.
Name some examples of the cultural boycott.
It was initiated at the request of the ANC in the 1960s.
Sun City boycott by ‘Artists United Against Apartheid’.
1989 Cultural Boycott Policy Document published by the ANC.
Which factors strengthened apartheid in the years 1960-68?
The economy grew quickly, and while white people benefitted the most, it helped black people as well.
The majority of black South Africans accepted apartheid briefly due to the effectiveness of policing.
B.J. Vorster became prime minister, he had been responsible for a lot of the legislation under which African leaders were detained and convicted.
Which industries benefitted the most from the economic growth South Africa experienced in the 50s and 60s?
Agriculture and manufacturing.
How did the attitude of the NP regarding black workers change during the 50s and 60s?
They acknowledged that the black majority was needed to run the country, especially to do the jobs white people did not want to do. So black people were allowed to do different jobs. They were still barred from certain jobs though.
How did African women benefit from social change in the 50s and 60s?
They were allowed to work as housekeepers, in the informal sector or running small businesses. Positions for teaching and nursing also opened up. They were able to move away from the rural patriarchal societies.
When was the first self-governing homeland established? Which one was it?
- Transkei.
Why did South Africa become regionally isolated in the 60s?
Because it was surrounded by newly independent states who disagreed with apartheid and were reluctant to deal with the National Party.
How did Vorster deal with South African isolation?
He reached out to multiple African countries offering trade relations, technical training and economic advice.
What is the Terrorism Act of 1967?
A law that allowed the police to detain suspects indefinitely without trial.
